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Canon Camera Reviews
A guide to finding the best Canon digital cameras for your needs
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Researching DSLR cameras? Read millions of Canon camera reviews that feature about 10% English and 90% jargon?
It's not easy trying to get your bearings if you are unfamiliar with the digital SLR camera market. Salespeople and reviewers are often unsympathetic to the total beginner!
Personally, I'm no good at absorbing information by some kind of osmosis! I like to be told in brief, clear explanations what things are from the very beginning.
So this article will provide you with a short and simple overview of Canon Cameras, with my reviews of 6 of their most popular models.
We'll look at who 'Canon' are and just what the ever present letters 'EOS' actually mean! Plus I'll outline the options you have when buying A DSLR from Canon.
I'll provide simple Canon camera reviews, which - for those of you looking for decent cheap Canon digital cameras - will include 2 beginner Canon Rebel EOS models. All of my reviews feature some of the best Canon digital cameras.
Who are 'Canon'!?
Canon is a huge Japanese multinational corporation. They manufacture fantastic imaging and optical products, ranging from DSLR cameras to desktop printers.
As far as digital cameras are concerned, Canon kicked off their sales back in 1984 with the RC - 701.
They later developed an 'EOS' range of digital SLR cameras, which now features models spanning from those suitable for beginners to super high spec. professional tools.
Hang on a minute, what's 'EOS'...!?
'EOS' refers to a kind of technology that Canon developed before they actually started producing digital SLR cameras. It stands for 'Electro Optical System' (yikes!) Basically, it means that no actual mechanical connections are required between a camera body and the lens.
(It also, supposedly, was thought an apt abbreviation since Eos was the Greek goddess of the dawn; photographers like shooting at dawn - 'magic hours' and all that stuff...)
Back to the important bits! Canon, working with Kodak, brought together digital technology with their EOS system during the 90's. Then, in 2000 - all by themselves - they turned out their first purely Canon EOS digital SLR: the D30.
Their range of EOS digital SLR's has expanded at pace since then!
Quotable Quote: Only a fraction of the camera's possibilities interests me - the marvellous mixture of emotion and geometry, together in a single instant. - Henri Cartier-Bresson |
What are the best Canon digital cameras for you?
The best Canon digital cameras for you depend on your requirements.
You need to work out what kind of pictures you will be taking and what you will be doing with them. Figure out how that translates into specifications. Match up your most important specifications with available cameras, factoring in price limits.
Like Nikon, Canon essentially offer cameras that fit into one of three brackets:
- Consumer / Beginner - For normal buyers who want a good camera without going into debt!
- Prosumer / Mid-Range - Ideal for those starting to require higher quality and performance.
- Professional (or semi-professional) / High End - Professional equipment of massively high quality to meet the needs of very serious photographers.
Most Canon camera reviews will flag up the category a camera belongs in. But you can simply tell by the name:
| Consumer | 'EOS' + 3 or 4 digits (e.g EOS 550D), in North America - 'Rebel, in Japan - 'Kiss'. |
| Prosumer | 'EOS' + 2 digits (e.g EOS 40D), in North America - 'Elan'. |
| Professional | 1 series (e.g 1, 1N, 1D...). Semi-professional cameras are 'EOS + 1 digit (e.g EOS 3), in North America 'A2'. |
The cheap Canon digital cameras in the 'consumer' bracket can be of a really high quality, and very suitable for enthusiasts. Equally, the very best Canon digital cameras in the professional category would only be worth investigating if the extra quality was really necessary.
Canon Camera Reviews
Right, now let's have a quick look at some actual cameras. I've simply divided them into their respective categories and provided key specifications.
Each of these models is highly rated and I consider them very good buys. This should be a useful starting point in your search for a camera.
Consumer / beginner Canon camera reviews
Canon EOS 550 D / Rebel T2i / Kiss X4 Digital
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If you're looking for cheap Canon digital cameras, you can't go wrong with this. Though a beginner model, the Canon EOS 550D
It is well designed physically, feeling nice in the hand, and is easy and intuitive to use. The light metering is very accurate too. I think this is the best of the Canon Rebel EOS cameras, and it always receives rave reviews!
Watch a video review of the Rebel T2i
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Key points:
| Sensor | 18.7 MP |
Maximum Image Size |
5184 x 3456 |
| ISO Sensitivity | 100 - 12800 (with H1) |
| Shutter Speed | 30 - 1/4000 sec. |
| Flash | Auto pop-up flash |
| LCD Screen Size | 3" |
| Weight | 530g |
| Dust Reduction Technology | Filter on sensor vibrates |
| Movie Mode | Yes |
Canon EOS 500D / Digital Rebel T1i / Kiss X3
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Another one of the best cheap digital cameras from the Canon Rebel EOS range.
Easy to use and with great image detail, the Canon EOS 500D
There are quite a few easy-access external controls too, which personally I think is a huge bonus when shooting.
Watch a video review of the Rebel T1i
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Key points:
| Sensor | 15.1 MP |
Maximum Image Size |
4752 x 3168 |
| ISO Sensitivity | 100 - 12800 (with H2) |
| Shutter Speed | 30 - 1/4000 sec. |
| Flash | Auto pop-up flash |
| LCD Screen Size | 3" |
| Weight | 480g |
| Dust Reduction Technology | Filter on sensor vibrates |
| Movie Mode | Yes |
Prosumer / Mid-range Canon camera reviews
Canon 40 D
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The 40 D is another model you will find praised in many Canon camera reviews. It can produce noiseless images at higher ISO settings which is a simply invaluable asset.
A high quality sensor makes for really sharp images, and the camera batteries last for a long time too. The Canon 40D
Key points:
| Sensor | 10.1 MP |
Maximum Image Size |
3888 x 2592 |
| ISO Sensitivity | 100 - 800 |
| Shutter Speed | 30 - 1/8000 sec. |
| Flash | Auto pop-up flash |
| LCD Screen Size | 3" |
| Weight | 822g |
| Dust Reduction Technology | Filter on sensor vibrates |
| Movie Mode | No |
Canon 60 D
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A great camera for enthusiasts looking to step up from the Canon Rebel EOS range.
Similarly built to the Rebel cameras, the Canon 60D
Images are very detailed with a 18 MP sensor and the high ISO sensitivity options make it excellent for low light work.
Key points:
| Sensor | 18 MP |
Maximum Image Size |
5184 x 3456 |
| ISO Sensitivity | 100 - 6400 (with H1) |
| Shutter Speed | 30 - 1/8000 sec. |
| Flash | Auto pop-up flash |
| LCD Screen Size | 3" |
| Weight | 755g |
| Dust Reduction Technology | Filter on sensor vibrates |
| Movie Mode | Yes |
Professional / High End Canon camera reviews
Canon EOS 7D
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One of the best Canon digital cameras in terms of ergonomics and how it feels in your hands. Superb resolution and low amounts of noise at higher ISO sensitivity levels ensure quality images in all situations.
8 frames can be shot per second, so great for wildlife and sports photography! A big, clear viewfinder helps when setting up a shot. The Canon EOS 7D
Check out this video review of the EOS 7D
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Key points:
| Sensor | 18 MP |
Maximum Image Size |
5184 x 3456 |
| ISO Sensitivity | 100 - 12800 (with H) |
| Shutter Speed | 30 - 1/8000 sec. |
| Flash | Auto pop-up flash |
| LCD Screen Size | 3" |
| Weight | 820g |
| Dust Reduction Technology | Filter on sensor vibrates |
| Movie Mode | No |
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV
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This is just an amazing camera - if you can afford it!
A high price accounts for magnificent image detail, great ISO performance even in the tens of thousands (!), brilliant auto-focus and 10 frames/second...!
The all round quality is superb and it feels comfortable in your hands. The Canon EOS 1D Mark IV
Key points:
| Sensor | 16.1 MP full frame |
Maximum Image Size |
3896 x 3264 |
| ISO Sensitivity | 100 - 102400 (with H3) |
| Shutter Speed | 30 - 1/8000 sec. |
| Flash | No built-in flash |
| LCD Screen Size | 3" |
| Weight | 1180g |
| Dust Reduction Technology | Filter on sensor vibrates |
| Movie Mode | Yes |
All of the the models in the above Canon camera reviews can be found, with additional reviews, at Amazon.
If you have any further questions about these Canon camera reviews please get in touch here.
I hope you found this useful, and are a little clearer about what to look for now. If you want some more in depth Canon camera reviews, I recommend checking out dpreview.com.
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